Bestselling Romance Author Kennedy Ryan on Writing, Love, and Spice
I want to write love scenes that are not skippable.
For the month of February, we’re featuring a series of Black love posts —illustrating love in ALL forms.
Head Honey Felicia Pride recently sat down for a live virtual kickback with bestselling romance author Kennedy Ryan to discuss her award-winning novel and our January/February HONEY CULTURE CLUB pick “REEL.”
Missed out on the fun? Well Honey, we got a recap for you!
the pivot
Similar to Felicia, Kennedy’s experience in the journalism world served as a benefit when she decided to pivot. Because “REEL” relied so heavily on researching, knowing that craft was key to building out the story.
“Facts feed fiction,” Kennedy said.
the writing process
She also talked about how her outlining process isn’t standard—she only starts with a beginning, middle, and end… then builds from there—as well as the importance of editors and sensitivity readers being involved in the process before it’s officially submitted to publishers.
She chatted about her inspirations for “REEL,” too. Whether it was the history of Adelaide Hall or Spike Lee joints, Kennedy pulled from a rich catalogue of art to enhance her story.
She also touched on the developing adaptation of her book “BEFORE I LET GO,” and while she can’t reveal too much right now, she did get real on the slowwww process of adapting to TV. Felicia definitely knows all about that, Honey!
the love
Kennedy touched on the many themes of love, such as familiar love, sisterhood, betrayal, and what forgiveness really looks like. She went there!
Ultimately, “REEL” is a “love letter to creators,” specifically, unearthing and paying tribute to the Black creators who contributed to the fabric of American culture.
the spice
Kennedy leans way into the spice—for example, she knew how important it was to not only accurately portray a character living with lupus (Neevah Saint in “REEL”), but providing them with the autonomy and humanity of a full sex life. We love to see it!
“I want to write love scenes that are not skippable,” she said, speaking to the fact that every sex scene she writes has to move the story forward and is integral to the overarching story.
the publishing world
Kennedy reflected on how she pivoted to self-publishing for 8 years. During that journey, she loved the freedom and autonomy that comes with not having to answer to a traditional publishing company when it came to her creative vision and cover art.
She also noted how she never writes to what the market “wants,” rather, she writes what she wants and then puts on her “business hat” to find as many people in that market (who also wants what she wants) as possible.
Plus, while self-publishing has its distribution limits, guess what—she made good money self-publishing.
the honey life
“It’s so liberating not to care much about what people think,” Kennedy mused. Reflecting on her success now, she also noted that she is so glad that these things are happening now and not while she was younger.
Grab a copy of “REEL” anywhere you buy books or at your local library.
talkback
Have you read REEL? What did you think? Did you attend our kickback? Any takeaways you would add?
watch the full kickback video
YES, HONEY+ paid subscribers can check out the full recording of the HONEY CULTURE CLUB KICKBACK with Kennedy Ryan below.